Hallelujah, Hair Salons and Barbershops Given Okay To Re Open

A bit of good news today for those who are in need of a haircut or a color treatment, hair salons, tanning salons and barbershops can reopen Friday May 8. That’s even better news for the many talented stylists in Amarillo who’ve had to put the clippers and scissors down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During Governor Abbott’s Tuesday afternoon press conference he gave an update on the current Texas COVID-19 response. The Governor stated that the number of people tested in the state has increased since April 20- with the percentage of those testing positive for COVID-19 showing a drop of nearly 7 percent to below 5 percent this week.

Since last Friday when the Governor began Phase One of reopening the Texas economy many Amarillo restaurants and retail businesses were allowed to open with limited customers and maintaining social distancing and a requirement that employees wear masks.

The rules for hair salons, barbershops and tanning salons were also discussed during the Governors press conference. Hair stylists will only be allowed to work with one customer at a time with masks preferred. People waiting in salons and barbershops will have to maintain a six foot separation or wait outside the business. The maximum occupancy of all businesses is 25 percent.

Governor Abbott also said that fitness gyms will be allowed to reopen Monday May 18 with the same requirements of social distancing and occupancy limited to 25 percent. Workout facilities may not open showers or locker rooms and all equipment must be disinfected after every use.